In 1948, the association released their "Publishers Code,"
drawing on the Hollywood Production Code
(better known as the "Hays Code"), which had also been drafted to
stave off external regulation. Like the Production Code, it forbid
portrayals of crime that might "throw sympathy against the law" or
"weaken respect for established authority," and prohibited
"ridicule or attack on any religious or racial group." "Sexy,
wanton comics" were not to be published, and divorce was not to be "treated humorously or
represented as glamourous or alluring."

Comics that complied with the code were offered a "Seal of
Approval." The code, however, was not a success, ignored by both
large and small publishers. Some publishers, such as Dell Comics, refused to
join the organization. Others, such as founding member EC Comics,
terminated their participation. Those who continued as members made
use of the ACMP seal of approval without any formal process of
review. Describing the situation in 1950, Director Schultz said: "The association, I
would say, is out of business and so is the code." [2]
Nevertheless, comics continued to be printed with the association's
seal for the next few years.

ACMP Publishers Code of
1948

Sexy, wanton comics should not be published. No drawing should
show a female indecently or unduly exposed, and in no event more
nude than in a bathing suit commonly worn in the United States of
America.

Crime should not be presented in such a way as to throw
sympathy against the law and justice or to inspire others with the
desire for imitation. No comics shall show the details and methods
of a crime committed by a youth. Policemen, judges, Government
officials, and respected institutions should not be portrayed as
stupid, ineffective, or represented in such a way to weaken respect
for established authority.

No scenes of sadistic torture should be shown.

Vulgar and obscene language should never be used. Slang should
be kept to a minimum and used only when essential to the
story.

Divorce should not be treated humorously or represented as
glamorous or alluring.

Ridicule or attack on any religious or racial group is
never permissible.